Princess Beatrice has become the first royal to run the London Marathon with tens of thousands of charity runners, celebrities, and record-breakers also crossing the finish line.

Princess Beatrice has become the first royal to run the London Marathon with tens of thousands of charity runners, celebrities, and record-breakers also crossing the finish line.

The Princess, 21, completed the gruelling 26.2-mile course in five hours, 15 minutes and 57 seconds as part of a 34-man "human caterpillar" which set the Guinness World Record for the most number of runners tied together.

After crossing the finish line she was congratulated by her father, Prince Andrew, and mother, the Duchess of York, and described her experience as "amazing".

In total there were 18 new world records - a record in itself - including fastest cartoon character, super hero and leprechaun, as well as tallest costume.

Many competitors were drenched in a downpour before the start of the race but the rain held off for most of the rest of the morning, with bright sunshine breaking through in the afternoon.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson, who took over sponsorship of the event this year, finished a second behind Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, in five hours, two minutes and 24 seconds.

The 60-year-old, running in his first marathon, said: "I'm feeling very elated. It's been an incredible day.

"I'm sure I would have given in hours ago if it hadn't been for the crowd. Your body is saying stop, go home, get in a bath, but the crowd is saying go on and finish. I know that if I sit down now I will never stand up again."

Holly and Sam Branson, Sir Richard's children, were part of the 34-man caterpillar, linked together two by two with bungee cords. Sir Richard, who started the race in giant butterfly wings alongside the caterpillar, said he was proud of their achievement and it was a "good family day".

Other well-known faces fared less well, with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, running his 11th marathon in 11 years, failing to finish. Before the race he said he was "nervous and excited".